Ablynx, AbbVie deal

AbbVie declined to exercise its option to license vobarilizumab (ALX-0061) from Ablynx to treat rheumatoid arthritis. AbbVie said that the safety and efficacy data for the subcutaneous nanobody against IL-6 receptor (CD126) “did not meet AbbVie’s criteria for moving forward.” AbbVie had an option to license vobarilizumab to treat RA and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) under a 2013 deal. The decision does not affect AbbVie’s option to license the product to treat SLE. ...